What is Semaglutide?
Jan 02, 2023
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic or Wegovy) is the #1 weight loss peptide that is FDA approved for weight loss in adults, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Patients on average lose a total body weight loss of approximately 15% without special diets or exercise. Semaglutide is a small protein (peptide) that imitates a hormone called glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1). It activates the metabolic pathways to increase blood sugar metabolism and reduce appetite. This action, causes the blood sugar to stabilize and triggers the burning of stored fat for energy. Also, it will delay gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion which decreases appetite, reduces sugar cravings, and increases the overall ability to control eating habits. Typically, patients have about 1 to 3 pounds of weight loss per week which can differ depending on the weight of the patient.
What are the benefits of taking Semaglutide injections once a week?
What are the common side effects of Semaglutide?
Most of these side effects are either mild or patients do not experience them. The most common side effects are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Constipation
Heartburn
Burping
Irritation at the injection site
We have Semaglutide compounded with vitamin B6 or B12 to help with the nausea side effect that some might experience.
Who should not take Semaglutide?
You should not use it if you have a history of:
Low blood sugar
A disease of the gallbladder
Diabetic Retinopathy
Acute inflammation of the pancreas
Medullary thyroid cancer or family history
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
Decreased Kidney Function
Type 1 Diabetes
How do you get started?
Contact the office to schedule your initial visit which includes a medical screening and history either in person or by telehealth (TX residents only). Initial lab work is required to make sure you are a candidate to take Semaglutide. When you are approved, then we will schedule you for weekly injections and you will follow up monthly to assess how you’re doing, adjust, weigh in, and get your medication refilled. For telehealth patients, we will require a card on file and will mail you the prescription and supplies. You will have to have monthly follow-up visits as well.
While Semaglutide can be an effective jump start for you in the journey towards better health for some individuals, it should not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular physical activity. We suggest that you work with us to change unhealthy lifestyle habits such as nutrition coaching and detox so that you have more of a permanent weight loss versus losing weight fast just to regain what you have lost.